[Anthology] The Paranormal 13- now With a Bonus 14th Novel!

by Dima Zales

  “There's no point in bothering him now, Alexis. He is probably asleep or at least on his way home from the party,” he assured me.

  “You're right.” I sighed, shut my eyes and fell asleep in Salem's embrace.

  When I woke up, I found Salem lying beside me, his arm still around my waist. I almost jumped up until the memory of the previous night quickly rushed back to me. Instead, I turned over and smiled happily at him. “I was certain I was dreaming again.”

  “Well, if you are, I hope you never wake up.” He kissed me gently on the forehead. “You should call Jason after you have eaten.”

  “I will,” I mumbled as I stretched. “What's for breakfast?”

  “It's already been taken care of.” He grinned. I eyed him suspiciously, noting the purple flash in his eyes. “Follow me downstairs.”

  Resting on the dining table was a plate of French toast triangles sprinkled with powdered sugar, a small portion of strawberries, and a glass of orange juice. Beside the plate was a glass vase with a single red rose in it. I blushed at Salem as he took my hand and led me to the table. “You shouldn't have...” I said quietly, admiring the food hungrily.

  “It isn't as if I slaved over a stove to make it,” he said with a hint of amusement. “Hopefully you still enjoy it just the same.”

  “Of course I will!” I insisted and sat down. Salem sat across from me and watched me eat. I savored each bite. “Do you eat regular food?” I said after swallowing a mouthful of toast.

  “No, it serves little purpose.”

  “Do you miss it?”

  “Certainly...” He frowned. “But at the same time it's better for my diet.”

  We both shared a good laugh at that, and I finished my meal. Salem then passed me the same phone I had used last night, and I redialed Jason's number. It took longer this time for him to answer.

  “Hello?” Jason’s groggy voice came through the cell.

  “Hey Jace, how was the party?”

  “It was fantastic!” he said excitedly. “It's too bad you didn't make it, though. Are you sure you are doing all right? Where were you?”

  “Yeah, I'm fine,” I replied casually. “I'm glad you had a good time. I just wanted to say that I was sorry for missing out on it.”

  “It's all right. Maybe you'll be there next time.” He sounded hopeful. “I will come later to clean up; I promise.”

  “It's still a mess?”

  “Just a little.” He laughed lightly. “Don't worry about it; I’ll take care of it. Now are you going to tell me where you were?”

  I quickly thought up an answer. “I was out driving, and I guess I lost track of time. There's just been so much on my mind lately.”

  “Oh. I understand,” he said. “Well, I'm just glad you're okay.”

  There was that phrase again–I understand. I knew they didn’t, they couldn’t. I wished I could tell Karen and him everything. “I’ll be fine. Hey, listen, I need to run a few errands, but I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

  “Okay, bye.”

  I put the phone down and stared across the table at Salem. His mind seemed to be elsewhere at the moment and I frowned. “Salem...” I said it quietly, part of me not wanting to disturb him. He blinked and looked at me.

  “Yes?”

  “I'm beyond late for school,” I said as I looked down at my watch. It was after noon. Jason must have skipped school, too.

  “Problem solved.” He smiled, although looking somewhat ashamed. “I called in for you. You are sick with the flu, if you weren't aware.”

  “Oh, I am, huh?” I laughed and shook my head.

  “Yes, and you are strictly on bed rest.”

  “I’m not entirely against that idea,” I replied, reflecting on how comfortable the bed upstairs was.

  “This isn’t just so you can get out of school...there’s a reason I did this, and I hope you do not disapprove. I have this nagging feeling that you are correct about the attacks in Denver,” he said suddenly, extracting me from my comforting thoughts. “I thought about all you had said as I laid with you last night.”

  I gave him an uncertain glance. “But what can we do about it?”

  “Something I would much rather avoid.” He scowled, staring blankly at the dining room table. “You need to request that Paul take you to see Janet...he will know whether Mark is the cause.”

  My eyes widened. “You want me to go to Denver? With Paul?”

  “Either that or try to convince Paul to go on his own.”

  “I'll try.” I stared at my half-empty plate. “Where can I throw away the rest of this?”

  “Don’t worry about it. I will take care of it,” he said, grabbed the plate and dumped it and the remains in a trash bin that was concealed behind one of the mahogany cabinets.

  “When should I try to talk to Paul?”

  “Anytime-the sooner the better.”

  I nodded. “I guess I’ll drive over to the shop.”

  I left Salem's house reluctantly, but promised I would return as soon as possible. The drive along the winding road was becoming more familiar and less scary. The thought of going to Denver both thrilled and terrified me. It was a sudden decision, but Salem was right—it had to be done, before it was too late.

  During the drive, my mind kept going back to what Salem had told me. Twin souls. I liked him, but what was I getting myself into? I had never imagined myself in a serious relationship before, let alone a destined, lifelong commitment. And how could I, after all that I had seen with Janet and Desmond…or Paul and my real mother, even? One relationship broken by lust and one by death. I wasn’t sure any of the feelings I was starting to have for Salem was worth the pain I had witnessed in Janet’s or Paul’s eyes. Salem did seem so nice though…so sincere in his feelings. Before I could think about the subject anymore I was approaching the auto shop, and my thoughts switched to the task at hand.

  Paul was at work today, thankfully. I could see his figure moving around behind the glass windows. He was talking animatedly to a female customer. I left the Alero in the parking lot and discreetly entered the store, aiming straight for the air freshener aisle again. I listened patiently to him and the customer as I waited. Once their conversation ended, I turned around the end of the aisle and nearly bumped into my father.

  “Alex!” he shouted in shock. “What a nice surprise.”

  “Hey,” I greeted him casually. “Could we talk...in private?”

  “Oh. Yeah. Of course.”

  The back room was identical to how it was two days prior. It felt like it had been so much longer ago. I leaned back in the familiar chair as he took his seat behind the desk again. I fidgeted anxiously as I tried to decide what to say to him.

  “Is everything all right?” he asked in a caring, fatherly voice.

  “Yeah, I'm fine...I just need to ask you a favor.”

  “I'll do anything you need me to, Alex, you know that.”

  “Have you been keeping up to date with what’s going on in Denver?”

  “I have.” His voice held a hint of anger. “I've been seriously thinking about taking a trip there, actually.”

  “That's...sort of why I came here. I think it's really important that you–or we–go and figure out what’s going on over there.”

  “You want to go to Denver with me?” He looked stunned, if not a little pleased.

  “Only if you want, or need me to.”

  “The more hunters the better.”

  I frowned at the term. I wouldn't be there to hunt; I would be there to protect Janet and to establish a cause for these horrific deaths. “Is there anyone else that can go with us? I don’t think I’d be much help if it turns out…you know.”

  “My sister–your aunt–Kim, she’s one of us.” He motioned toward a picture frame sitting on his desk. It held a photograph of him and a woman with startling green eyes and brilliant red hair.

  “That's my aunt?” I asked in awe. “She is gorgeous.”

  He chuckled. “She'
d love to meet you, Alex. I’ve told her so much about you over the years.”

  “Well, get a hold of her as soon as possible and let's make plans to go to Denver before things get worse.”

  “Sounds like a plan to me...but you'll end up missing out on a few days of school.”

  “It's okay. I'll make up for it.”

  He looked unconvinced at first, but agreed. “I'll get Kim on the phone right away. Why don't you go grab a soda from the machine?”

  I nodded and left the back room. The soda machine was outside in the front of the store. While I was browsing the selection, I had the feeling someone was watching me. From the corner of my eye, I could see the shape of someone standing beside me. As I put in my fifty cents, I silently hoped they were just waiting in line for the machine. The soda rolled out at the bottom of the machine, and I grabbed it, hesitating a moment before turning around.

  “Oh, Kate...it's just you.” I smiled warmly at her familiar face.

  “Hey!” The pink-haired woman grinned at me. “My shift starts in ten minutes. This is day seven of my workweek, and I am so ready for some days off.”

  “Seven days in a row?” I asked in awe.

  “Yep. Hopefully someone else gets hired on to manage the counter soon because I’m really getting sick of all this work. I appreciate the cash, but working with no days off is going to drive me insane!”

  “It would do the same to me,” I said as I twisted the cap from my drink and took a swig. I was grateful that Paul opened the door to get my attention and dragged me away from the conversation. It wasn't that I had a problem with talking to Kate, but there were more important matters at hand.

  “Kim says she is ready whenever,” my father said quietly as he led me back to the room. “I can set up a flight for as early as tomorrow if you’re really up to it.”

  “The sooner the better…right?”

  “Right,” he answered with a grin. “I’m so glad you are on board with this.”

  If only he knew I wasn't. I sighed quietly, hoping he didn't notice.

  “I'll handle the flight arrangements; you head home and pack yourself a bag. You won't need much, maybe a change of clothes or two and your bathroom stuff.”

  “Should I meet you at the trailer tomorrow?”

  “Nah, I'll just meet you at your house.”

  I frowned. This meant I wouldn't be spending the night at Salem's. “Okay, I'll be there.”

  “Oh, and don’t forget your bow,” he said as I was stepping out of the room.

  13

  Salem kept me company and helped me pack, a feeling of dread weighing down on me—what was I thinking? I could tell that even he was nervous about me leaving, no matter how many times I assured him I would be all right. He paced around my room as I collected my bathroom items and stuffed them in my book bag.

  “I could come with you,” he suggested.

  “Paul would recognize you in a second.”

  “You're right.” He sighed. “I just don't feel comfortable with you being among them.”

  I wasn't sure whether he meant my father and aunt or the possible vampire lurking around Denver—maybe both. After my bag was fully packed we both sat on the edge of my bed, our hands intertwined.

  “I'll be safe; I promise.”

  “Unfortunately, that is not a promise you can keep on your own,” he said smugly. “Try to stay at the hospital while Paul does his...work...”

  “That's a good idea,” I replied. “I can stay with Janet. I should call to check where she’s staying.”

  “Go ahead.” He offered me the cell phone. “You should take this with you, also. I have one of my own that you can reach me at. The number is already in there.” He smiled.

  “Thanks.” I returned the expression as I dialed Janet's number. “Hey, Mom-”

  “How many times do I have to tell you that she is fine?” Mark growled.

  “I-I just wanted to talk to her,” I said in shock “Just for a second.”

  “Fine, but make it quick.”

  “Alex?” I was relieved to hear Janet's voice. “How are you doing, honey?”

  “Where are you at, Mom?”

  “Just in a hospital here in Denver. It's not that important, really.”

  “Yes, it is!” I thought carefully. “I wanted to send you some flowers, but I need the address.”

  “Oh…that’s sweet of you.” I could tell she appreciated the idea. “Hang on, just a second.” I heard the muffled voices again, this time Mark's voice sounded angry and loud. She whispered the address to me, and I could tell she was more than a little frightened.

  “Thanks, Mom...” I mumbled. “Are you sure you don't want me to bring you home or something?”

  “No, it's okay...I'm fine where I am. Denver is my home now, sweetie.” I didn't believe that for a second. “I'll talk to you later.”

  “Bye.” I said it too late, she had already hung up.

  After relaying the conversation to Salem, I heaved my bag downstairs. We were both further convinced that something was just not right. It was nearing time for Paul to arrive to pick me up, and I was growing more and more anxious as the minutes passed. Salem stayed with me, anxiously sitting on the couch beside me. He insisted he would hear the car pulling up long before they arrived.

  “I wish you could go with me, Salem,” I said quietly as he played with my hair absent-mindedly.

  “As do I.” His voice was withdrawn, and I knew he was filled with worried thoughts still. “Please make sure to call as soon as you get to Denver. If Paul asks, tell him you are talking to Jason.”

  “I will,” I promised.

  “He will be here soon,” he muttered and sat up. “Be safe, my little raven.” He leaned in close and gently pressed his lips to mine before heading through the back door. I stared after him, wondering if this might be the last time I would see him.

  Not two minutes later I heard the rumble of Paul's Jeep Wrangler pulling into the driveway. I stared out the back window, watching Salem vanish from sight. The knock on the front door startled me despite knowing it was about to happen, and I ran to open it. Paul stood there with a grin on his face, and beside him was the pretty red-haired woman from the photograph on his desk.

  “You must be Alex,” she said in a light, wispy voice. “Paul has told me so much about you.”

  “Sorry I can't say the same for you,” I said with a frown.

  “Keeping me a secret are you? Embarrassed of your little sis?” She smiled comically at Paul as she nudged him with her elbow, then looked back at me. “I can tell you everything you want to know on the trip.”

  “Let's get in the car; we don't want to miss our flight,” Paul said with a sense of urgency, then took my bag and headed to the vehicle. “We’ve got a bit of a drive to even get to the airport.”

  The airport was packed, and it took Paul almost twenty minutes to direct us to the right side of the huge building. This was precisely why I wasn't looking forward to the trip (excluding the fact that we were possibly going to meet a hostile vampire) —airports are too busy, too crowded and too stressful. We made it through security without any issues, and made it to our terminal right on time to get in line and wait to be seated. Paul was fortunate enough to get three seats together. I wasn't sure if I felt good about that or not, but I was relieved to know I wouldn't be sitting beside some chatty stranger—plus I was interested to hear more about my aunt's life.

  The seats on the plane were relatively comfortable. Aunt Kim took the window seat – apparently she had experience with sky diving and loved imagining herself soaring over the world—I took the middle and Paul was at the end. I was perfectly content until the large, rotund guy in the seat ahead of me decided to recline his chair so far back that it crushed into my knees.

  “Excuse me, sir?” Paul said politely to the man. “Could you please straighten your chair up a little; you are squishin’ my daughter.”

  “Oh, yeah. Sure,” he grumbled in response, clearly
not eager to re-situate.

  With great relief, I stretched out my legs and relaxed as the seat was lifted. The flight attendants gave instructions on what to do if an accident happened while in flight, and then requested everyone to put on their seat belts. I gripped onto the chair arms as the plane ascended and the flight attendant’s safety instructions played through my mind—I had not braced myself for any of this. This would be my first plane ride, and I had not been anticipating the push of force against my body as we rose into the air. Kim leaned over and patted my arm reassuringly. She appeared completely at ease, almost giddy.

  “You’ll get used to it, trust me.” She smiled. “I can’t even count how many plane trips I’ve taken. I was nervous at first too, but now I love it.”

  “What do you do for a living, anyway?” I asked as I nicely declined the peanuts the attendant offered. My palms had grown sweaty as I continued to anxiously grip the arms of the chair.

  “Well, outside of...hunting...I'm a journalist,” she replied, glancing out the window. “As well as a bit of a thrill-seeker, I guess you’d say.” She turned toward me and grinned. “Maybe someday I will take you skydiving.”

  I was certain she could see the horror in my expression. “Umm…I think that's something I’m going to have to say no to.” I laughed nervously.

  “Your dad’s never been too keen on the idea, either,” she said, eying Paul. “It's amazing how he doesn't freak out about his side job, which is way more dangerous than parachuting out of a plane.”

  I laughed, trying to hide my discomfort on the subject of vampire hunting. It amazed me how open she was about discussing the subject, especially on a full plane, but no one seemed to notice. Of course, she never openly used any words beyond 'hunting', so no one would know exactly what she was talking about. If anyone did hear her, they would probably just assume she was talking about hunting animals.

  “I think I’m going to try to take a nap,” I said out of nowhere, despite not being tired. My mind was lost in thoughts of Salem, wondering what he was doing – probably worrying himself to death. I was also still conflicted on this sudden relationship that had been sprung on me. Sometimes the idea thrilled me, and I could feel my heart flutter, other times it was almost enough to make me queasy. I told myself it was just the flight and shut my eyes. There was so much noise on the plane that it was impossible to sleep. I could hear children crying in the back. The man in front of me was talking to the lady beside him about an authentic Italian restaurant he had gone to during a business trip to Rome—he was apparently a food critic and was working on an article about it. Paul and Kim were chatting across me about their plans in muffled voices. I tried to mute them out the most, not wanting to think about what was going to happen when we reached Denver. The worst of it was probably the conversation going on between the two ladies in the seats opposite ours.